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Ocellate cardinalfish (Apogonichthys ocellatus) — Apogonidae

Ocellate cardinalfish

Apogonichthys ocellatus
Family: Apogonidae
LC · Least Concern

The Ocellate cardinalfish (Apogonichthys ocellatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–5.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The ocellated cardinalfish is a cardinalfish (Apogonidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species is small and has a red-brown, mottled body with large eyes and an eyespot on the dorsal fin. It occurs in shallow, sheltered lagoons and harbours, where it hides by day among rocks, rubble and algae. Nocturnally it hunts small zooplankton and small invertebrates. The male broods the eggs in his mouth. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ocellate cardinalfish?

The Ocellate cardinalfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Ocellate cardinalfish live?

The Ocellate cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Ocellate cardinalfish get?

The Ocellate cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 3 cm.

Is the Ocellate cardinalfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Ocellate cardinalfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Ocellate cardinalfish edible?

The Ocellate cardinalfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Oogvlek-kardinaalbaars sourced
English name
Ocellate cardinalfish verified
Scientific name
Apogonichthys ocellatus
Family
Apogonidae
Other names
Ocellated cardinal; Ocellated cardinalfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Average length (cm)
3.2 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
5.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Apogonichthys

More from the family Apogonidae

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